A Peruvian tactical victory over Chilean forces that nonetheless failed to prevent Chile from seizing control of the Tarapacá department.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 November 1879
- Chilean force
- 2,300 soldiers in three columns
- Peruvian force
- 4,486 troops
- Chilean 2nd Line Regiment losses
- Nearly half its strength
- Chilean banner status
- Lost; recovered after Battle of Tacna (~6 months later)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Tarapacá Campaign of the War of the Pacific, Chilean forces sought to assert dominance over the Tarapacá region. A Chilean force of 2,300 soldiers advanced in three columns to engage the Peruvian contingent of 4,486 troops under General Juan Buendía stationed at Tarapacá.
On 27 November 1879, the Chilean three-column assault was repulsed by the larger Peruvian force, resulting in a harsh defeat for the attackers. The Chilean 2nd Line Regiment suffered especially severe losses, including both its commander Lt. Col. Eleuterio Ramírez and his second-in-command Lt. Col. Bartolomé Vivar, and the unit's battle banner was captured.
Despite the Peruvian tactical victory, Allied forces were unable to maintain control of the Tarapacá department and withdrew, ceding the region to Chile. The lost Chilean regimental banner was eventually recovered approximately six months later following the Battle of Tacna.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Eleuterio Ramírez (KIA), Bartolomé Vivar (KIA).
Side B
1 belligerent
Juan Buendía.